See the Issues Before You Make an Offer
In a competitive market, you might only get one chance to view a property before deciding. A pre-offer inspection gives you professional insight during that viewing—spotting red flags, costly repairs, and deal-breakers before you commit time, money, and emotion to a home that might not be worth pursuing.
This isn't a full home inspection. It's a focused walkthrough where I point out visible concerns, answer your questions on the spot, and help you decide whether to move forward with confidence or walk away before you're invested.
What You Get
Real-Time Feedback
Get immediate answers to your concerns as we walk through the property. No waiting for a report—you'll know what matters right there.
Professional Perspective
An experienced inspector sees things most buyers miss. I'll point out what's normal wear and tear versus what's a serious problem.
Cost Insights
Get a sense of what repairs might cost so you can factor them into your offer or decide if it's worth pursuing at all.
Confidence or Clarity
Either walk away knowing you dodged a bullet, or move forward with confidence knowing what you're getting into.
When It Makes a Difference
A client once called me to walk through a home they loved. Everything looked great—fresh paint, updated finishes, modern appliances. But in the basement, I noticed fresh patching on the foundation walls and new flooring that didn't match the rest of the house. When we checked the crawlspace, there were clear signs of recent water damage that had been covered up.
The repairs would have cost over $15,000, and there was no guarantee the water issue was actually fixed. The client walked away that day, saving thousands in repair costs and the stress of dealing with hidden damage after closing.
In another case, a buyer was worried about an older HVAC system and some visible roof wear. After the walkthrough, I explained that both were near the end of their lifespan but still functioning, and the rest of the home was solid. The buyer made an offer knowing they'd need to budget for replacements in the next few years—but they weren't surprised, and they got a great deal on a house they loved.
When to Schedule a Pre-Offer Inspection
This service is ideal if:
- You're in a competitive market with limited viewing time
- The property is older or shows signs of deferred maintenance
- You're considering multiple homes and need help prioritizing
- You want to avoid wasting money on inspections for homes you wouldn't buy anyway
- You're a first-time buyer who wants expert guidance during showings
- The home has been heavily renovated (sometimes hiding issues)
- You want peace of mind before making an emotional decision
Schedule the inspection to coincide with your property viewing. I'm often available on short notice for these walkthroughs, so don't hesitate to reach out even if your showing is tomorrow.
Pre-Offer vs. Full Home Inspection
| Pre-Offer Inspection | Full Home Inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 45-60 minutes | 3-4 hours |
| Scope | Visual, major concerns only | Comprehensive, all systems |
| Report | Verbal on-site | Detailed written report |
| Tools | Visual inspection, basic tools | Thermal imaging, moisture meters, etc. |
| Timing | Before making an offer | After offer accepted |
| Purpose | Decide if you should make an offer | Understand full condition before closing |
Bottom line: A pre-offer inspection helps you decide whether to pursue a property. A full home inspection helps you understand exactly what you're buying. Both have their place, and many clients use both.